About Us

History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

In the 1880's James M. Cheek and Rober H. Cheek, uncles of J.L. Bass, were merchants and traders of New Middleton. In October, 1897, they started an undertaking firm in New Middleton as a part of their operation. As a boy, J.L. Bass began helping his uncles in their business and conducted his first funeral alone when he was only fourteen years of age.

In September 1916, J.L. Bass started his own undertaking firm in New Middleton. Meanwhile, Cheek and Cheek had become Cheek and Parker and later Cheek and Neal. In 1917, J.L. Bass bought our Cheek and Neal and merged it with his own firm. Thus, the firm started by J.L. Bass's uncles in 1897 became part of his firm and operation. Then J.L. Bass formed a partnership with S.F. Coffee which enable him to operate an undertaking firm in both New Middleton and and Gordonsville.

Our Valued Staff

Danny Bass, Funeral Director/ Embalmer/ Insurance Agent

Danny is a Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, Insurance Agent, Preneed Sales Agent, and serves as Owner of our Firm. Danny Married the late Annette Manning of Lancaster and they have two children; Megan Bass, and Kurt (Christina) Bass. Annette was the daughter of Nell Manning of Lancaster and the Late Fred Manning. Danny is the son of the Late Oleda Gwaltney Bass Hill of Gordonsville and the Late Paul B. Bass. Danny Graduated Gordonsville High School in 1976 and Received an Associates Degree in Mortuary Sciences from John A. Gupton College in 1978. Danny and Annette attend Pleasant Grove Fellowship in the Gentry Community. Danny has been very active in several organizations as he is Past President for the Smith County Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Upper Cumberland Funeral Directors Association and Past Director for the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association. Danny has been active in Funeral Service since the age of 12 receiving his EMT License and Apprentice Funeral Directors License at the age of 16. Danny enjoys spending time with his granddaughter; Katherine.

Kurt D. Bass, Funeral Director/ Apprentice Embalmer

Kurt Bass is a Licensed Funeral Director and Apprentice Embalmer with our Firm and the fifth generation to work in the funeral business. Kurt is Married to Christina Massey of Stonewall, and they have two children; Katherine Annette Bass and Benjamin James Daniel Bass. Kurt is the son of Danny and the late Annette Bass of Hickman. Christina is the daughter of Phil and Tracy Massey of Stonewall. Kurt graduated from Gordonsville High School in 2010. He attended University of Tennessee - Knoxville in 2010 and 2011 and graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 2016 with a degree in Accounting. Kurt and Christina attend Carthage United Methodist Church where he is involved in the youth group, choir, and the Board of Trustees. Kurt also serves on the Board of Directors at DTC for the Temperance Hall Exchange and on the Smith County Heritage Museum Board. Kurt enjoys running, having participated in one marathon, several half marathons, numerous 5Ks, and overnight relay races, and playing music.

Billy Bass, Funeral Director/Insurance Agent

Billy is married to the former Amanda Holliman of Defeated and they reside in Tanglewood. Billy has 3 children, Zach, Jacob, and Sydney.

Zachary Fuson, Funeral Director / Insurance Agent

Zach has been with our firm since May of 2016 and is a licensed Funeral Director & Insurance Agent. He serves as Funeral Director for Avant Funeral Home. He graduated from DeKalb County High School in 2006 & from Tennessee Tech. University in 2010 with a degree in Animal Science. Zach currently serves as Vice President of the Upper Cumberland Funeral Directors Association & is a member of the Indian Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Smithville. Zachary & his wife Leigh have one son, Landon Roy Fuson and they live in Alexandria.

James L. Bass, Funeral Director

James is the oldest active licensed funeral director in the State of Tennessee. He married the late Erma Armistead Bass of New Middleton, and resides in Carthage. They have three children, David Bass, Jane Bass Turner, and John Bass, who is deceased.

Jay Slatton, Funeral Director/ Embalmer/ Insurance Agent

Jay is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and insurance agent. He is a 2001 graduate of John A. Gupton College. He is married to the former Leann Cowan of Sykes. They reside in Gordonsville and have three daughters, Samantha, Ally Beth, and Ava Grace. Jay is an Insurance Agent with Investor's Heritage, but is always ready to help when needed or called upon by families.

James Robert Bass, Funeral Director/ Embalmer/ Insurance Agent

James Robert is a Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Insurance Agent. He is a 1960 graduate of John A. Gupton College. He is married to the former Cora Goad of Russell Hill and they reside in Gordonsville.

James T. Gibbs, Funeral Assistant

James Thomas Gibbs is married to the former Brenda Armistead and they reside in South Carthage. He is the pastor of the Jared Missionary Baptist Church. They have one son, Thomas Allen Gibbs, and 1 Granddaughter, Jessica Dillehay. Bro. James enjoys farming and spending time with his Great-Grandson, Jackson.

Hannah Larsen, Funeral Assistant/Student

Hannah is a funeral assistant with our firm and a student at John A. Gupton College in Nashville, TN. She graduated from GHS in the Spring of 2016. She enjoys riding horses and spending time with her family. Hannah wants to help make families final memories with their loved ones be positive and loving memories that will carry on.

Sarah Beasley Tinsley, Funeral Assistant

Mrs. Sarah is a funeral assistant with our firm. She has been with us since January of 2017. Mrs. Sarah is married to Harvey Tinsley. Originally from Dixon Springs, Mrs. Sarah taught Kidergarten for 22 years and then 2nd Grade until her retirement, all in the Smith County School System. Mrs. Sarah and Harvey have two children, Reid (Sarah) Tinsley of Nashville, TN and Erin Tinsley of Soddy Daisy.Mrs. Sarah enjoys pet sitting, the beach, Cade's Cove, and stays very active in her retirement. She attends the Carthage United Methodist Church, where she is involved in Women's Bible Study and the Prayer Shawl Ministry.